Michiel Hoornick, Shutong Chen, Stanislau Lashkevich and Maurus Wollensack participated from 9 to 15 April in Washington, D.C. in the Jessup Moot Court, ranking among the top 32 teams worldwide out of more than 160 teams in the Global Rounds.
“Participating in the 2023 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition has been an incredibly enriching and transformative experience, one that I will cherish for years to come”, remarked Stanislau Lashkevich, who was ranked 6th best orator.
Team member Maurus Wollensack was named 17th best orator and overall, the team ranked 23rd best in the preliminary oral rounds; they won 18th place for the prize of best memorial.
The team was coached by PhD candidate in International Law Irene Miano and PhD Researcher in International Law André-Philippe Ouellet.
About his experience, Stanislau Laskkevich also explained that “the commitment of our coaches, the encouragement of our faculty, and the dedication of my teammates, has not only fostered my growth as a legal scholar but also as an individual. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Institute and all those who have contributed to our success. I am certain that the invaluable lessons I have gained will have a lasting impact on my future pursuits.”
This year’s competition focused on the interpretation of a peace treaty, deadly attacks in allegedly occupied territory, unilateral economic sanctions and the legal consequences of failing to dispose of hazardous waste properly.
The overall winner was a team from the University of Amsterdam.
The International Law Students Association’s (ILSA) Jessup Moot Court is a fictional simulation of a dispute between countries before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the judicial organ of the United Nations.Teams prepare oral and written pleadings arguing both the applicant and respondent positions of the case.
The Institute’s team also participated in the European Jessup Friendly 2023 Rounds at the University of Geneva in March. Although they were not awarded any prizes, the experience proved a priceless training tool for the final rounds.
Pictured from left to right: Elodie Pearson, Swiss Embassy Intern and Institute alumna; Shutong Chen, Maurus Wollensak, Stanislau Lashkevich, Irene Miano, Coach; André-Philippe Ouellet, Coach; Michiel Hoornick.